Driven out of the complex instruction set CPU market by the Intel-Motorola duopoly, National Semiconductor Corp is determinedly striving to recoup the investment it made developing its NS32000 microprocessor family by coming out with a stream of applications-specific variants of the basic 32-bit processor. The company is particularly excited at the latest trio of additions to the line – described as image processors for use in imaging peripherals. The NS32CG160 Integrated System Processor is optimised for use in mid-range office peripherals including monochrome and colour page printers, graphics terminals and document scanners. NatSemi claims that it enables the component count in a page-printer to be reduced by up to 22% for a 33% cut in system cost. The clock is 70% faster than that of the 32CG16, and it is claimed to outperform the nearest competitor two-fold in graphics operation. The company claims that the other two parts are the first 32-bit processors that also incorporate true, software-programmable signal processing. They are designed for multifunctional imaging products, such an integrated laser or ink-jet printer and fax machine as well as stand-alone imaging peripherals. They are the NS32FX16 Imaging/Signal Processor, which can be used in all Group III facsimile machines and in page printers, and the NS32GX320 full 32-bit version of the part. The 16-bit bus version can be software-programmed to drive a combined fax machine and laser printer as well as a fax machine, PostScript printer, facsimile modem or data modem. It can also can be programmed for digital voice recording, and integrated into telephone answering machines and voice-mail systems. The 32GX320 is aimed at high-performance laser printers, intelligent terminals, solid-state phone answering systems, voice mail, Group IV ISDN as well as Group 3, and scanners, or for integrated, multifunctional applications combining these functions. With loads of peripherals integrated with the CPU and signal processor cores, the 32GX320 should cut component count by 20%, board space and power consumption by 25%, and cost by 30% in typical applications. No other microprocessors, microcontrollers, modems or signal processors are needed for multi-functional applications – NatSemi claims it can deliver PostScript hard copy, visual display, data, graphic output, data modem and voice recording on one module half the size of a typical desktop add-in board. Users of the family include Alcatel, Alps, Canon, C Itoh, Everex, Goldstar, Mannesmann Tally, Olivetti and Samsung. In 0.8 micron CMOS, the parts cost $39.90 for the 15MHz NS32CG160; $33.80 for the 15MHz NS32FX16 and $147 for the 20MHz NS32GX320 in 100-up quantities in each case; samples of all three are available now, with volume promised in the fourth quarter.
